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Changing Lives, Changing Communities: CairnsBrothers Leagues Club, Cairns8 and 9 November 2018

Contents

About Changing Lives, Changing Communities........................................................................3

Check-in: What inspired you to be here?..................................................................................3

The Cairns context: panel.........................................................................................................3

Carl Fourmile.........................................................................................................................3

Hurriyet Babacan................................................................................................................... 4

Anita Veivers.........................................................................................................................4

Debbie-Anne Bender.............................................................................................................5

Sensemaking session...............................................................................................................6

Stories of inclusion....................................................................................................................6

Wayne Renolds.....................................................................................................................6

Recipe for inclusion................................................................................................................... 7

World Café................................................................................................................................ 7

What will it take to create a community where everyone contributes, matters and belongs? 7

What are the elements already happening here?..................................................................8

What action am I willing to take to progress the vision?........................................................9

Appreciative Inquiry................................................................................................................10

Professor Harriyet Babacan....................................................................................................11

"Identity is important but it changes. You construct an identity – you have a narrative and story…An inclusive identity needs to be at the beginning of the story"...................................11

“respect difference until you forget difference - that's inclusion".............................................11

"inclusion comes from the heart, not the head"......................................................................11

Open Space – ideas into action..............................................................................................11

Project 1.............................................................................................................................. 12

Project 2.............................................................................................................................. 12

Project 3.............................................................................................................................. 13

Project 4.............................................................................................................................. 14

Project 5.............................................................................................................................. 16

Project 6.............................................................................................................................. 16

/ November 2018 Changing Lives, Changing Communities Cairns

Project 7.............................................................................................................................. 16

Project 8.............................................................................................................................. 17

Project 9.............................................................................................................................. 19

Project 10............................................................................................................................ 20

Conclusion.............................................................................................................................. 21

About Changing Lives, Changing CommunitiesChanging Lives, Changing Communities are 13, two-day events across Queensland, creating new ways for people – citizens, community organisations, private sector and government representatives – to come together, envision and ask, “What will it take to create communities where everyone contributes, matters and belongs?”

Changing Lives, Changing Communities is about bringing together all parts of the community to co-create solutions to ensure everyone is included in their community, and can access what they need; like a place to call home, good health, transport, education, and meaningful employment.

This document brings together the highlights of the two days in Cairns.

Check-in: What inspired you to be here? The opportunity to connect with other people who were inspired to be here.

Community change happens with many people’s involvement. I want to be part of change and learn how to motivate others to see the benefits of

change. Changing Lives, Changing Communities – use ‘change’ twice so it got me interested.

I want to contribute my legal services to collaborate with others and strengthen community. I am new to Cairns and really feel it’s time I put roots down here and create stronger community ties. Improve access to justice for Far North Queensland Indigenous population.

As a sole provider it is easy to feel alone but it is important to be reminded that we are part of a bigger community picture and it is only working together that we can create change and grow.

Opportunity to be part of change and help lead it in the communities I love and work in.

The opportunity to network and learn from others while building a strong and collaborative future for our community.

My love of the Cairns community and the wish for us all to live in harmony and peace, but also to be inclusive of our diversity. Also make sure we are well informed of the help available when needed.

Believe in the power of stories to lead positive change in community. Long standing interest in building community glue - connections between individuals,

organisations, sectors – joining up the silos.

The Cairns context: panel / November 2018 Changing Lives, Changing Communities Cairns

Carl FourmileTraditional Owner, Bama Country

Carl talked about the importance of cultural connection for both non-Indigenous and Indigenous people in Cairns, particularly youth. He talked about the lack of cultural infrastructure in Cairns, especially considering the large population of Indigenous, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander peoples in North Queensland.

However, Carl explained the huge opportunity for Cairns to be a leading force in this area.

“We are not a big city but not small either. We could start in Cairns and set a precedence. We could be a world leader in the sharing of Indigenous culture.”

The picture Carl painted started with a simple idea – building an earth oven.

“All it is, is a little hole in the ground,” Carl smiled.

However, Carl explained, something so simple could not only bring the whole of community together, it could also help educate the community in Indigenous cultural ways of life.

“Food is one way of we can come together. Food and education,” Carl said. “Cultural practice is not having someone else teaching them [youth] who they are. It comes from themselves first.”

Hurriyet BabacanProfessor – Economic and Policy Development Senior Research Fellow, Rural Economies Centre of Excellence, James Cook University

Hurriyet talked about the importance of creating strong structural social capital for the diverse Cairns community, not just focussing on infrastructure.

“Cairns has a diverse population - 29 per cent of the population are from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background and a further 10 per cent of the Cairns population are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. When you can speak the languages of the world like us, you are a force to be reckoned with,” Hurriyet said.

“We have strong social capital but we are not good with structural social capital. We need to develop a new narrative…development can’t take place by just looking at infrastructure.”

“Cairns is a unique place with a lot of strengths, but we need new ways of collaborating – not competing. We do have multi-sectoral practices in Cairns, but it needs to be improved. We need to be intentional about inclusion.”


Anita VeiversCo-Chair of Cairns Alliance of Social Services and Executive Director at Centacare – Far North Queensland

Anita said creating a Cairns community where everyone can contribute, matter and belong is not just a community services challenge – it is a whole of community challenge.

“I have a strong belief and passion for collaboration in community. I am involved with lots of networks and we connect together as a community,” she said.

However, when creating a vision for the future, Anita said everyone needs to be at the table.

“We need to bring everyone along on the journey,” she said. “We need to work together for our voices to be heard.”

“We need each person to be active in the community.”

Anita said Cairns has come part way in being inclusive.

Although the Cairns community is taking steps to be more inclusive by ensuring buildings are accessible, AUSLAN interpreters are at events and local elders are invited, the community needs to go beyond that.

“There is access for some people in the community, but we still have steps to go to include everyone.”

Debbie-Anne BenderChief Executive Officer, Cairns Chamber of Commerce

Debbie-Anne talked about the importance of connection between social and economic development – you can’t have one without the other.

Debbie-Anne said she watched a TED talk recently about a study which followed men over 70 years. She took two key takeaways from the talk – inclusion in a community is part of society; and the importance of relationships and being treated equally.

“Leaders in the community need to remember inclusion in society. They also need to treat everyone equally and with respect. Every person in this room needs to be treated equally.”

She said don’t underestimate the importance of smiling at people.

Debbie-Anne said there are many strengths of the Cairns community – “Health, education but also the people here – You’re here because you want to improve the system.”


Sensemaking sessionAfter the panel session, participants were asked to reflect on the panel. What do the stories from the panel tell us so far? And what do we need to focus on? Here are some of your responses:

Reciprocity – acknowledging and valuing everyone. Everyone has something to bring to the table – we are all equal

What can we learn from young people with their youthful energy? Focus on shared story – what we want for community is acceptance of community Questioning what the digital community looks like – sense of connection Adapt service delivery – every person as a unique individual It is better to create communities from the ground up Cairns needs to regain mojo We are all busy, which creates brick walls. We need to knock the walls down Inclusion – everyone needs to be included, no matter their situation. We have a very

dynamic, diverse city. Economic development – the language needs to change. Not just growth but thriving

community. Increase supports, make diversity beautiful Focus on finding existing strengths in the community and building on those Often the simplest things make the most change. For example – Carl’s story. We

often overcomplicate things with regulations Being in the moment Not having all the answers is okay The importance of going to people in their places to build relationships and trust We need to work across sectors – work together, not in silos. Collective advocacy, power of networking, power of social media, power of

collaborations Advocate and activate Strengths based approaches – what can you do? Focus on the future without forgetting the past Importance of culture in our schools Recognising that we all work really well together Celebrate diversity of our community Changing the narrative

Stories of inclusion We would like to say a huge thank you to our generous storytellers for sharing their

stories of inclusion at the Changing Lives, Changing Communities event in Cairns. To stand in front of an audience of people you may not know and share your story is so courageous. The session is an integral part of the forum and we appreciate you taking your time out to take part and share your story. Thank you!

Wayne Renolds

Wayne works for Deaf Services Queensland. He is a keen golfer, a mentor, and is hearing impaired. He met his new partner two years ago and she can sign. She acts


as his social interpreter. At Gordanvale Golf Club, where Wayne plays, more people now come and talk to him now his partner is there to sign.

He is so much happier! He invited everyone to come and play golf with him. He even taught Luke from QCOSS a thing or two about his swing on the lunch break.

Recipe for inclusionWhile storytellers were sharing their experiences, we asked participants to listen to the ingredients for inclusion. This is what they heard:

1. Inclusion is in the heart, not the head2. Respect3. Communication4. Being valued5. Feeling at home6. Celebrating differences7. Respect differences until you forget them8. Sense of belonging9. Relationships10. Ability to contribute

World CaféWhat will it take to create a community where everyone contributes, matters and belongs?

common goals and aims that is cultures and interests something that brings people together creating opportunities for this to happen valuing other groups in society visions for the community Cairns Regional Council need to engage and include the community got to be relevant to the community affordable multicultural spiritual centre strong leadership and influence educating whole community fully understand and embrace change open-mind, non-judgemental listening and respecting what everyone has to say communication willingness inclusive community consultation collective empathy fully-inclusive publicity collective empathy go to the community understand your community community meeting spaces neighbourhood centres identified community leaders involve leaders


understanding approach communication methods for specific demographics collating and acting on messaging needs from community in a collaborative way readjusting of power; resources; wealth communicating needs and creating an environment of contribution commitment from community to not leave people behind a community that grows with the people need for individuals to be part of the community kindness and respect awareness of differences contribute leaders leaders of different sectors coming together common goals, vision and values everybody allowed in everyone’s job is important communicating change building compassion people listened to not judged accessible services contribution build on strengths inclusive

What are the elements already happening here?

local networks program development communication activities celebrations parks and open spaces CCTV providing safety and security accessibility to training education and vocational opportunities recognising and responding to barriers community facilities people who focus on inclusion collaboration appreciate what we have here great First Nation leaders and educators build on festivals that are inclusive of all while offering workshop syle education

inclusion access to attend events needs careful consideration strong Indigenous movements tourism and culture community sector programs multi-cultural endeavours celebrations multi-cultural dinners council welcome to new immigrants – connections


follow up on actions is important volunteer groups community hubs community gardens men’s shed P&F and other groups newsletters council app for events services directory accessible playground lots of organisations doing the same things networking is good in some sectors socially diverse place accessible city everyone brings the ability to include services community celebrations collaboration strong networks people who want to be involved lots of community groups celebrations all ability sports peer support skill set of current community services open spaces activities willingness to share connection collaboration strong relationships

What action am I willing to take to progress the vision?

QCOSS commits to supporting the Cairns community Council wants board level support to enable on the ground support / information

provision – getting people out and aware of what’s going on participating in community sharing information from the two days with wider organisations and getting more

people attending the next event connect with service providers try to connect with people who are continually disconnected connect with community members neighbourhood community centre going out into community like the community renewal program slow down choose face-to-face instead of online improve public transport advocate for the needs of individuals and community shape your organisation sharing stones that others can learn giving time for others less fortunate than ourselves volunteer engage more stakeholders when engaging with community


more activities at work that include multicultural community meet the need rather that expect the needs to fit the service make connections and share information be a positive role model personal commitment to embrace other people regardless influence and challenge provide opportunities for inclusion and connection lean how to get involved and share learnings work with people with most appropriate level lead by example take learning back to the work place respect differences and move on educate populace publicise our knowledge media expand knowledge of networks regional representation on boards we are here communication strategies volunteer sharing knowledge empathy begins with family, neighbour, street, suburb, community say Hi to everyone spread acts of kindness conversations connections educating children about other cultures validating other stories look for positives in others join a group be authentic, respectful, inclusive

Appreciative InquiryMaking social change requires courage. We asked participants to share when they had to be courageous to create change. We asked what was inspiring/important and what helped it to happen. These are their stories.

What was inspiring/important? equality is important motivated to help people express themselves taking initiative for change not taking on negatives courage and bravery goals determination positivity creating a future having a go challenging sexism made a change which shifted the attitude towards women within a chauvinistic

environment finding an opportunity to be an agent of change


subtly shaping the direction and priorities of the organisation strategising how to influence clear vision determination to achieve goals open mind

What helped it to happen? Personal motivation Dream for equality Momentum Organisational flexibility Personal passion/drive Support of family Timing was right Shared goal/vision Adaptability Friends and family Positive thinking Participating/socialising Resilience Motivate and participate Create awareness Passionate women recognising need for change Knowing own worth and value Standing against a system Being prepared to lose out at a personal level in order to make change for the

greater good Being prepared to act and not just identify the issues

Professor Harriyet Babacan

"Identity is important but it changes. You construct an identity – you have a narrative and story…An inclusive identity needs to be at the beginning of the story"

Kiran Biswa

"diversity is a fact. inclusivity is an act"

“respect difference until you forget difference - that's inclusion"

"inclusion comes from the heart, not the head"

Open Space – ideas into action


Project 1Host idea – Introduce the understanding of diversity in children.

What could this idea become? Us teaching children about differences and children teaching us about acceptance, compassion and tolerance.

What do we know works? being honest having awareness role modelling sharing lived experiences adapting to technology

Who do we need to partner with? people with lived experiences and the organisation they support / work with community members funding partners (if needed) schools and departments politicians and directors-general

What are the risks/challenges? creating assumptions that all people with similar conditions or illnesses are the same people may be too scared or feeling too shamed to speak out being called ‘snowflakes’ feeling stigmatised

What do we need to learn by doing?Just make a start!!

How do we make sure everyone is included? start the dialogue don’t be afraid to have hard conversations listen break down language and technical barriers just normalise being human

What are our next wise steps? find community partners model a trial from ‘in search of safety’ create individualised programs with school inputs – making it relevant to the kids

Project 2Host idea – Healthy connected community

What could this idea become? learn about one another’s differences building initiative within our community connecting and building relationships creating safe places event – get to know your neighbour


What do we know works? getting to know your neighbours connecting people bringing food, music, art, dance to communities connecting people through schools investing in the community making ‘time’

Who do we need to partner with? talk to other community organisations and see what people can contribute (resources) council non-government organisations churches build a shared vision and mission statement

What are the risks and challenges? fear, racism prejudice busy lives not doing it

What do we need to learn by doing? sharing and promoting community inclusion connecting neighbourhoods collective input and action invest in our community involving the community building resilience in our community

How do we make sure everyone is included? creating neighbourhood centres and community centres that are flexible and adaptable to

the community less structure community mapping activity connecting to elders and community better use of the public space areas freely

What are our next wise steps? use existing resources and community groups to identify needs and goals talk with people (skills audit) community mapping activity finding others who share the vision energy and passion

Project 3Host Idea – Provide easy language information to raise awareness of and simplify the NDIS process

What could this idea become? up front and throughout process provide targeted simplified information on how to access and operate under the NDIS


What do we know works? use of simple easy to understand language and infographics to explain difficult concepts

in appropriate language and style people who have been through the process sharing their stories positive and not so … one-on-one in-person approach clear communication

Who do we need to partner with? NDIA / Mission Australia need to partner with

o service providerso participants, family, carerso other stakeholders – mainstream government departments (health, communities,

child safety, justice, DATSIP), informal, advocacy bodies, community, anyone who can help

o PHNs, GPs, specialists, allied health

What are the risks and challenges? legislation which is restrictive, for example, family as carer or support worker won’t happen overnight individual/ families/ carers carry risk of not getting required supports rural/ remote/ indigenous communities in terms of lack of resources including service

provided area to cover and diversity and number of different demographics language

What do we need to learn/trial by doing? What do we need to be doing? understand and be able to explain quickly in simple terms what the NDIS is about undertake ongoing awareness activities individual / organisational in simple language

terms to increase knowledge and understanding of the NDIS provide information on responsibilities

How do we make sure everyone is included? consult / engage widely in ways that various cohorts / demographics can understand

What are our next wise steps? continue to connect with peak bodies – QDN, NDIA, MA provide feedback at local level to keep stakeholders so we can make it work better continue to spread the message about NDIS identify people and organisations who can help build awareness expand and increase and stay current with changes as they occur

Project 4Host Ideas – Community where everyone’s voice is heard and respected

What could this idea become? education lived experience story telling challenging comments and ideas in a safe way increased social activities


What do we know works? library story telling does challenging ideas work? cultural days public awareness campaigns peer support humour welcome dinner

Who do we need to partner with? local support groups drug and alcohol groups safety groups media not-for-profit groups charities youth department of education

What are the risks and challenges? abuse resistance burn out funding

What do we need to learn by doing? take a risk in challenging people’s bias how do people want to be heard? how to listen learn how to interpret behaviour shift thinking to be more inclusive and open minded being mindful or your own expression and behaviour, how you look to others body language

How do we make sure everyone is included? being open be welcoming inclusive understanding attentive appreciative

What are our next wise steps? research what is already happening attend community events

Project 5Host Idea – getting people involved in political change through community

What could this idea become? environmental projects


What are our next wise steps? online petitions sign letters – QR code or links

Project 6Host Idea – Opportunities for connecting people from different cultural groups across Cairns

What could this idea become? bi-annual welcomes by Council action in the university (education and awareness) invitations to university students formally through learn education centre sharing music and food and story telling

What do we know works? multicultural festivals, for example, CARMA, Pasifika welcome dinners street soccer connecting through sport and music

What are our next wise steps? Keep advocating and connecting with council, university, Indigenous and culturally and

linguistically diverse communities and other community organisations and stakeholders

Project 7Host idea – Address the shortage of social and affordable housing in Cairns

What could this idea become?

action areaso existing system / government policies and rules = brokeno no building development in Cairns

10 per cent of all developments – social and affordable movable homes, tiny homes

o private rental market – impact of Air BnB, CRAo challenging minds and hearts – work with partners not just those who are

committed and knowledgeable

What do we know works?

lobbying politicians prior to electionso 2019 federal electiono 2020 council election

Who do we partner with?

our clients movers and shakers all levels of government community sector whole of community


What are the risks and challenges?

risk to the story teller – how far do you go to expose people to the issues burn out - cynical

What do we need to learn by doing?

awareness may involve education not all community members have been exposed to housing stress, homelessness and

mental health issues

How do we make sure everyone is included?

involve homeless people, tenants to expand people’s reality tell stories, awareness raising, go beyond the community sector, beyond the comfort zone encourage all our connections, stakeholders, community members to spread the word

What are our next wise steps?

think tank – existing broken system awareness raising with networks and marketing plan

Project 8Host idea – arts hub / artists as a community resource


living art gallery, concert rehearsal space, dance, outdoor, wharf terminal Bauhaus artisans creative hub centre for community partnerships a place where all people can come together to be creative links between mental health and music a way for people to connect with themselves and discuss context, examine experiences

and processes a combined voice with a simple purpose breaking down barriers nurturing artisans active art in real time with real people hermitage village – meaning music rehearsal space revival of respect for culture


spirit and culture soul song choir oldies art club activation art transcends race, creed and colour art transcends generations


art speaks for the world creativity is self-actualisation creativity is healthy beautifies the city challenges music therapy cross pollination a simple purpose

Who do we need to partner with?

Cairns as the leading ‘Arts City’ in the north dedicated to community social people affordable or free non-commercial place and yet it needs $$$$ partnerships with mental health, aged care, therapeutic, community housing, health,

energy – anyone business council social services multicultural services in Brisbane CPAC, schools, RADF, RAF People with business mind IJC hub space


volunteers sausage sizzles static art galleries – boring and detached lack of respectable funding overloaded with rules and regulations, for example, NFP guidelines, associations, blue

cards = red tape and $$, health and safety, membership fees, financially draining legislation

insurance administration and development big space or village property grant writers $$


art and artists for change community making art for change hub as a central place connecting artists with employment opportunities talking with IJC hub (Indigenous jobs connections) learn about each other identify multicultural


cultural focus diversity focus health, rehab, and wellbeing activity free space for community groups


workshops = movement towards social enterprise upskilling intercommunity dialogue and sharing and teaching spaced for cultural activities wellbeing Maslow’s theory

o food shelter resto safety and securityo belonging o esteemo self-actualisation

cultureo gallerieso librarieso arto museumso talking to arts bodies, cultural groups, social services, businesses, tourism


exploring funding options social enterprise for turning skills into work IJC conversation, centre for contemporary arts, kick arts community groups and services chamber of commerce, enterprise business, Bunnings, Masters unused space summary – if it’s for everyone then everyone should be involved in making it happen

Project 9Host ideas – a Kup Murri in Munro Martin Parklands


bigger than better a way to progress the 20 year old idea of establishing a multicultural hub the start of establishing Kup Murris in suburban areas outside the CBD


planting the seed in a way that makes those in power think it’s their idea lobbying from the most influential stakeholders success breeds success – aim for some small success first and build up from there acknowledge council control of regulation


Council Tourism FNQ TOs JUTE The whole community cultural services (CRC) CARMA


Pacific Island Communities Council policy liaison officers DATSIP youth justice Anglicare Centacare Foodies Synapse (on Hoare Street) Hotels in Cairns city


to make the idea be part of the community ‘glue’ and not a community divider dispute / conflict re those who are the TOs of the place environmental health regulation and compliance


Need to learn how to navigate disputes and resolve conflict and other challenges during the journey

Need to learn cross-cultural skills – respect, listening and responsibility


Need to make more Kup Murris in north, south, east, and west areas


planting the seed at First People’s Advisory Committee (Karina) planting the seed at CASS (Ruth) planting the seed with community forums (Karina) planting the seed with business community / chamber of commerce call interested parties to a working group

Project 10Host ideas – Larger organisations resource sharing with community groups


Equipment no longer using donated to community organisations Networking and meetings effective regarding point above Larger organisations to collaborate Staff sharing – sharing skills - a expertise Council – interagency group Take the first step – make a meeting with organisation or community group Connect event – speed dating Community resource van – available for use Business sponsorship not well known How to convince the decision makers that it is valuable Build relationships – more diverse across disciplines Council (secure organisation web portal) Funding – partnerships (small NGO’s)



Volunteer program Business have volunteer programs Disability Action Week Mt. Sheridan Plaza – supporting junior sport sign


CASS Specialist interest groups Cairns Regional Council (My Cairns)


Confidentiality Organisations to get over bias Insurance


What a vision of the organisations – bring together in the bigger picture Detailed mapping


Engagement and advertising – all available


Talk to Cairns Regional Council re app to share resources and equipment Reduce and reuse Secure website for organisations or closed Facebook Hold a speed dating event Promote Brekkynet to continue conversation Target heads of large organisations to sell the idea and government departments

ConclusionThanks to everyone who came along to Changing Lives, Changing Communities Cairns. We know you have made a difference.

What Have I learned that will stay in my heart and mind?

#Cairnscares many heroes with, not for change is possible humanity lives we are one but we are many

Changing Lives, Changing Communities Cairns is a proud partnership between: Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA),


Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS), Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland (ADCQ) and Cairns Regional Council.


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